Davenport, Florida – A retired nurse in Polk County was found brutally killed inside his home after reportedly evicting his teenage roommate for failing to pay rent, according to authorities.
The victim, 67-year-old John Torneo, was discovered dead inside his Davenport residence after neighbors grew concerned when they had not seen or heard from him for several days. Investigators allege that Torneo was murdered by Julian Trevino, 19, who had been living in the home before being asked to leave.
How police were alerted
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a deputy initially responded to a welfare check after a neighbor reported Torneo’s prolonged absence. The neighbor told deputies that Torneo had allowed Trevino to stay in his home since September, but had recently forced him out.
The neighbor said Torneo complained that Trevino was not paying rent and was not contributing to household responsibilities. On December 10, Torneo allegedly told Trevino to pack his belongings and leave the home.
At the time of the first welfare check, the deputy did not find Torneo at home and cleared the call. However, neighbors remained worried after continued failed attempts to contact him.
Grisly discovery inside the home
Later, multiple neighbors returned to Torneo’s residence and entered the home. Inside, they found Torneo dead on the floor.
Sheriff Judd described the scene during a press conference, stating the victim had been found “dead, disemboweled, eviscerated on the floor.”
Detectives immediately launched a homicide investigation.
Credit card use leads investigators to suspect
As part of the investigation, deputies tracked Torneo’s credit card activity, which allegedly led directly to Trevino. Authorities say Trevino used one of Torneo’s cards at a Circle K convenience store and later at the pizza restaurant where he worked as a dishwasher.
Sheriff Judd criticized the suspect’s actions, saying the evidence trail made the case straightforward for investigators.
Stolen car pursuit and arrest
Deputies later located Torneo’s stolen vehicle. At approximately 4:42 a.m. Monday, officers observed Trevino entering the car.
When deputies attempted to take him into custody, Trevino allegedly fled in the vehicle, crashed, and then tried to escape on foot. He was quickly apprehended and arrested.
Confession details released by sheriff
According to Sheriff Judd, Trevino admitted to the killing while in custody.
Investigators say Trevino told police he was angry about being kicked out and upset about having to live in a shed behind a friend’s house. He also said he did not want to be separated from his girlfriend.
Authorities allege that on Sunday, Trevino broke into Torneo’s home through a bathroom window and hid in a closet. When Torneo went to bed, Trevino allegedly stole cash and credit cards.
Police say Torneo woke up and confronted him, telling him, “You’re not supposed to be here.”
Trevino allegedly shoved Torneo onto the bed, went to the kitchen to retrieve a knife, and then stabbed him. Investigators say Trevino then grabbed a wine bottle from the bedroom cooler and struck Torneo in the head to ensure he was dead.
Murder weapons recovered
After leaving the scene, Trevino allegedly took both the knife and wine bottle with him and threw them into a nearby creek.
Authorities confirmed that both items were later recovered as part of the investigation.
Charges and court proceedings
Trevino has been charged with 14 felonies and seven misdemeanors, including first-degree murder, robbery, grand theft auto, and evidence tampering.
He is currently being held at the South County Jail without bond. Court records show his arraignment is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Community impact
Neighbors described Torneo as a quiet individual who tried to help others. Investigators say the case highlights the risks associated with informal housing arrangements and disputes escalating into violence.
The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
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